Merz advocates for an adjustment in immigration policies
Generally speaking, these individuals are mostly refugees, and their actions are often driven by extremist Islamic beliefs, as per what seems to be Merz's assertions. Post-terrorist attacks, the usual responses like visiting crime scenes, expressing sympathies, and issuing threats no longer suffice.
Merz suggested collaborating with Scholz on strengthening immigration policies. In an email, Merz urged Scholz to act swiftly and decisively to curb any further terrorist attacks, like the one that occurred last Friday in our country. Bild reported this.
The CDU leader and the head of the Union faction in the Bundestag proposed several measures, including deportations to Syria and Afghanistan and a halt on admitting refugees from these countries. If this doesn't gain majority support in the traffic light coalition, Scholz should utilize his guidance authority and pass the relevant laws in the Bundestag. "Those who refuse to cooperate within the Greens, FDP, or even within your own ranks will be left behind," Merz hinted.
Even SPD leader Saskia Esken urged consistent deportation of criminals and potential threats after the attack. "It's crucial now to consistently deport criminals and individuals posing Islamic threats, even to Syria and Afghanistan," Esken told the Rheinische Post. She added, "In an open society like ours, absolute security is not possible."
Clearly, the protection of the population is now the primary concern, especially at public events. The interior ministers of the federal states have the power to enforce knife bans and conduct event-related surveillance, and they should exercise this power now.
In the knife attack on Friday evening in Solingen's city center, three lives were lost and eight individuals were injured. A 26-year-old Syrian who surrendered to the authorities on Saturday evening is the prime suspect. He had been sought previously and was suspected to be deported to Bulgaria last year, where he allegedly entered the EU. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating him on charges of terrorism affiliation. The jihadist militia Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack.
The suspect resided in a refugee accommodation close to the crime scene. Media reports suggested that he was expected to be deported to Bulgaria last year.
Merz acknowledged the need for stricter immigration policies, proposing deportations from Syria and Afghanistan and halting refugee admissions from these countries. Other countries should follow suit to ensure the safety of their citizens.
Esken emphasized the importance of consistently deporting criminals and potential threats, even to countries like Syria and Afghanistan, to maintain safety in an open society.
